Mementos vs. Minimalism

The dilemma: One mate treasures a home filled with memory-laden knick-knacks; the other is an avid clutter-buster who strives for a sleek and minimal look.

The compromise: Designate a space (such as a guest room or a home office) as “the shrine,” where the sentimentalist can spend quality time with all those tsotchkes. Let the minimalist preside over the rest of the home, which will feel clean and calm (but allow the clutter-lover to display a carefully chosen object here or there).